Bath salts a growing concern for doctors, police
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
Officials continue to look for ways to curtail a growing drug problem in the state: the use of synthetic cathinones, more commonly called “bath salts” and sold under such names as Ivory Wave, Vanilla Sky and Energy 1, among others. A Halt the Salts forum held earlier this spring in Presque Isle brought together individuals interested in addressing the problem.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
DR. MICHAEL FALOON, from The Aroostook Medical Center, at left, listens as Officer Bill Scull, of the Presque Isle Police Department, comments on the problems now being faced by law enforcement and the public as the result of the rising use of the drug commonly known as “bath salts.” The men were part of a forum held at Northern Maine Community College in April that provided information on the impact the drug is having in society.
In Presque Isle, the drug first came to public attention around May 2011, when the Presque Isle Police Department asked for the public’s help in curtailing “a new drug problem.” At the time, the drug was legal but as concern increased, lawmakers stepped forward, making the product illegal to sell and have in one’s possession.
That hasn’t stopped individuals from seeking the latest high. Law enforcement officers and hospital personnel alike continue to see individuals using and abusing the product. In January MDEA agents arrested a Presque Isle man for receiving a shipment of bath salts from China. Though outlawed in several states, the drug is still available through other countries.
“Maine Drug Enforcement Agency agents throughout Maine continue to encounter incoming shipments of synthetic cathinones, commonly referred to as ‘bath salts.’ Most of these shipments originate in China and arrive through the U.S. Postal Service and commercial parcel services,” said MDEA Division Commander Darrell Crandall.
Detective Bill Scull, of the PIPD, joined Dr. Michael Faloon, of The Aroostook Medical Center, and MDEA Agent Peter Johnson, with the men sharing their concerns over what the drug does to a person and how it impacts those around the individual.
“Sellers maintain its legality by labeling it ‘not for human consumption.’ But it’s not for baths. It’s an amphetamine derivative,” said Faloon.
Scull said confusion around the drug and its harmless counterpart continues.
“About 65 percent of people know the difference but there are still those who turn in their bath-time bath salts. There’s still confusion,” said Scull.
Johnson said the problem’s on the rise.
“It’s hard to track down. Users suffer from paranoia. We’ve seen an increase in the sale of surveillance cameras — due in part to the use of bath salts,” said Johnson, who said since joining the MDEA last year, he’s done nothing but work bath salt cases. “I’ve had no opportunity to work other drug cases.”
Faloon said the product is being snorted, eaten and injected. He said the high lasts about four to six hours but can have an effect long after that.
“People who use don’t eat, sleep, then they crash and end up in the ER suffering from paranoia, aggression, self-harm. All are psychological side effects of bath salts. I’ve dealt with a heart attack five days out,” he said.
The doctor said one sign of drug use is a person goes days without eating, then consumes large quantities of food in a short period of time.
“People use suboxin to take the edge off. When that doesn’t work they try something else,” said Scull.
“They take medicine like Prilosec for stomach issues,” added Faloon.
Johnson said part of the attraction is the price.
“It sells for $150 a gram, while things like meth are going for $350 a gram,” he said.
Scull said people under the influence of bath salts don’t react as an ordinary person would, creating difficulties for first responders.
“It’s difficult to talk to people under the influence. You can’t use a taser; they feel no pain. The only thing that works is physical restraint. Once in cuffs, a paramedic can begin treatment and transport,” said Scull.
“You never know what you’ve got when you encounter a person on bath salts. I had a woman a few months ago that snarled at me,” he said.
“They can go from nice and calm to flipping out. From a law enforcement perspective, they can go from very calm and cooperative to off the wall,” added Johnson.
Scull warned of the dangers to citizens.
“The general public doesn’t know the signs and symptoms like we do,” said Scull.
Johnson said problems continue, since the product is marketed “not for human consumption.”
“That gets it around the FDA regulations and makes it a more difficult problem to address,” said Johnson.
Faloon said it’s important to keep one’s distance from a person suspected of using bath salts.
“Protect yourself and loved ones. I’ve seen someone calm in the corner of a room, then see them reach out to slash someone’s throat. Call 9-1-1 and get out of there,” said Faloon. “Don’t expose yourself to the potential for rage.”
Johnson said companies change names frequently, making it difficult to trace a manufacturer.
“Law enforcement can shut down websites, only to have new ones open,” he said.
In addition to the dangers of the drug itself, Johnson said once the product is in the U.S., sellers start “cutting it to make it last longer and increase profit.”
Scull said bath salts use crosses the socio-economic spectrum. “It’s not just an issue with low-income individuals. It affects all income levels,” he said.
Faloon said use of the drug is taxing on society, as the cost for care gets passed on to others.
“We had a person at TAMC who spent 10 days in ICU with no insurance. It cost $87,225 to treat the person. We’re spending money on people who can’t pay. Our hands are tied, we have to treat them,” said Faloon.
Scull said it has had an impact on officers doing their jobs as well.
“One officer can’t handle a person on bath salts. We need multiple people. That takes us away from responding to other issues and other calls,” Scull said. “It also takes more nursing staff, since a person on bath salts can have profound strength and break restraints. It often takes everyone in a department to restrain a person on bath salts.”
Scull said to date the problem has been largely an adult issue, with few cases involving minors reported. He’s hoping it stays that way. Scull said most people indicate they tried bath salts out of curiosity, then get hooked and can’t break free.
“It’s an addiction. It changes your brain. The best thing for everyone is to not try it in the first place. It’s not worth the risk — to you or to others,” said Scull.
Scull said if you believe someone is on bath salts, do not approach them. Instead, call 9-1-1.
